Reps. Michael Waltz (R-FL) and Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) offered their analysis on the Biden administration's military "bad policy" as veterans.

Both appeared on One Nation with Brian Kilmeade Saturday to discuss recent developments in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the military. They both agreed that the movement was a form of "bad policy" that did not exist while they were serving.

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"This is just bad policy; it’s not a tsunami from nowhere or an act of God. It’s bad policy out of the White House," Waltz said of DEI. "At the end of the day, it has not deterred anyone. Our enemies are on the march because they smell weakness in this White House, and they see bad policy and bad priorities imposed on the greatest military the world has ever seen and one that should be feared by our allies and right now ... is not respected worldwide."

"We are — and I want to put in perspective for people — over six years, the Biden administration wants to spend $280 million on DEI initiatives, which are something people should be doing already. Just treat people with respect," Van Orden said. "I never recall asking anybody what political party they're affiliated with or what their sexual proclivities were in the military. But if you look at the United States military, right now we are mocked because leadership in the Pentagon and Joe Biden led us down a road where we have decreased lethality and made the world a dangerous place."

Meanwhile, recruitment efforts are falling short of their goals. The Army reported last year it was short by 15,000 recruits, which was 25% less than its goal. The Navy had a short of 8,000 active-duty sailors, which was more than a fifth less than its goal, with an additional short of 3,000 reservists, which is almost 30% under.

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While the Pentagon requested the budget last week, its 2024 DEI initiatives have yet to be released. This year alone, it is seeking $144 million. The department previously requested $68 million toward initiatives in 2022 and $86.5 million in 2023.

The week before its budget request, the Pentagon failed its sixth consecutive audit.